Instrumentation.
An OEM module “AquapHOx OEM” was realized for measurements in underwater systems allowing an efficient production setup and development of a sensor for end user including pressure stable housing to offer additional interface communication interfaces. The firmware has been designed to be universally compatible to O2-, pH- and temperature-sensors.
The production process was optimized regarding supply routes and efficient assembly procedures. The final assembly was further optimized to speed up the process and enhance quality. An automatic setup for fast parallel factory trimming, evaluation offering full traceability was designed and build.
The product family “AquapHOx Logger” is a stand-alone logger with integrated rechargeable battery allowing long-term deployments for up to 2 years. The product family “AquapHOx Transmitter” offers analog outputs and a Modbus interface for easy integration into other systems. To increase the usability of the devices, several accessories were developed.
A user-friendly software called “Pyro Workbench” was developed for the implementation of Read-out and configuration of the AquapHOx Logger modules. A powerful module “Data Inspector” was implemented in this software, allowing comfortable post-processing of acquired data.
During the final period of the project the performance of the AquapHOx technology was successfully demonstrated in several cooperations with external partners.
Sensor Heads.
Special versions of the optical O2 sensors where developed and optimized regarding highest possible response times combined with optimized user-friendliness. This new sensor type was characterized e.g. regarding resolution, accuracy, response time.
Another special version of optical O2 sensors was developed offering very high measurement resolution at very low O2 levels, also called “trace O2 sensors”. This new sensor type was characterized e.g. regarding resolution, accuracy.
The optical pH sensor technology was adapted and optimized for marine and biotechnical applications. The sensors were characterized with regard to dynamic range, response time, drift, storage stability and accuracy. Additionally, cross-sensitivities to temperature and salinity were determined. A straightforward user calibration procedure was established, and implemented in the software Pyro Workbench.
A calibration measurement facility was constructed allowing fully automated sensor calibrations which can be repeated periodically to conduct stability tests. In addition, temperature calibration is included. The production of the sensor materials was improved and simplified for mass production. A stringent quality control procedure was established assuring constant quality for each produced sensor head.
Commercialization Strategy.
In the beginning of 2021 all three AquapHOx families were successfully introduced into the market. A widespread commercialization strategy was developed and executed, covering several different marketing approaches.
PyroScience utilized its existing network to many key-players e.g. in marine R&D but also in the biotech industrial sector. Already during the early development close contact was kept with appropriate beta-testers. Several launching customers gained first experience in the “real world” with the AquapHOx technology.
The website was completely redesigned with response design and optimized for marketing purposes. The AquapHOx products are presented in high quality renderings and in a explainer movie. Further, a completely new strategy was developed for maximum impact of newsletter activities.
The AquapHOx technology was actively promoted at conference exhibitions, industrial trade fairs and advertisements in magazines. In cooperation with professional marketing companies focused on the scientific market, potential customer bases were addressed.
In the beginning of 2021 all three AquapHOx families were successfully introduced into the market.
